Ohio State facing multiple challenges

Scandal-tainted Buckeyes may have to rebuild rather than reload

August 25, 2011|By Shannon Ryan, Chicago Tribune reporter

The Big Ten created more offseason buzz than any other conference for a variety of reasons but nothing spurred as much discussion as Ohio State's transgressions that resulted in the departures of coach Jim Tressel and quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

The 2011 Buckeyes couldn't be further from the 2010 squad in terms of reputation and optimism. With Ohio State's headaches, other Big Ten teams finally see an opening.

"I do get that feeling," center Mike Brewster said at Big Ten media days in Chicago last month. "We're looking forward to showing people we're going to speak on the field."

But things will be tougher for the six-time defending Big Ten champions.

Interim coach Luke Fickell, who played at Ohio State and has coached there since 2002, has the responsibility of keeping Ohio State respectable on the field and keeping the program clean off of it.

"We all want clarity so we know what to brace ourselves for and what to plan for," Fickell, 38, said.

Four other players tainted in the scandal, including running back Dan Herron, offensive tackle Mike Adams, receiver DeVier Posey and defensive end Solomon Thomas will be suspended the first five games of next season as Pryor would have been if he hadn't entered the NFL supplement draft.

That's leaving positions up for grabs in Ohio State's preseason camp.

At quarterback, freshman Braxton Miller is competing with experienced senior backup Joe Bauserman, which could help distract the Buckeyes from the ongoing investigation.

Miller exhibits mobility and a strong arm, much like Pryor, which could ignite some positive buzz around the Buckeyes.

"I think he has a lot of similar qualities (to Pryor)," Fickell said. "(We're) excited to see how he can … put (us) in the best position to win."

At tailback, Herron will return from his suspension in October, hoping to follow up on his junior season that produced 1,155 yards and 16 touchdowns. Until he returns, the Buckeyes will turn to junior Jordan Hall, sophomore Jaamal Berry, and sophomore Carlos Hyde.

The defense also will be in transition after ranking fourth nationally last season. Despite losing key players, the Buckeyes can build around returning safety Orhian Johnson, linebacker Andrew Sweat and defensive ends John Simon and Nathan Williams.

Fickell acknowledged his responsibility goes beyond the depth chart.

"Since I've been at Ohio State, I've focused on the history and traditions," he said. "It's bigger than any one person, any one coach, any one or era."